Ira A[bner]. PALMER, an active and successful agriculturist of Liberty Township, is a native of Canada, his parents, Wilkinson and Nancy (HURDE) (sic) PALMER, moving from Rhode Island to Canada a short time prior to his birth, which occurred January 21, 1835. At an early age he was taken by his parents to Warren County, Illinois, and in that county he grew to manhood, being reared on a farm. He engaged in the manufacture of two-horse cultivators at Monmouth, Illinois, which he followed for several years.

During this time he was married to Miss Sarah J. MORRIS, of Monmouth, who died in 1868, leaving six children, who are all doing for themselves.

Mr. PALMER was again married in 1883, to Mrs. Ella NICHOLAS, a daughter of James SPENCER, who had two children by her former marriage.

In 1871 Mr. PALMER came to Ringgold County, since which time he has resided on his farm on section 5, Liberty Township. His farm contains 320 acres all under fence and well-improved, and during his residence here he has followed general farming and stock-raising, paying special attention to a good grade of cattle and hogs, in which sursuit he is meeting with success.

Mr. PALMER has held the office of justice of the peace of Liberty Township for six years. He has been president of the Ringgold County Agricultural Society for some eight years, and by his strict and honorable dealings has gained the confidence of all who know him.

NOTE: Wilkinson PALMER, the son of George PALMER (1761-1833) and Hannah PALMER (1771-1833), was born at Cramahe Township of Northumberland, Ontario, Canada, in 1788, and died at the age of 90 years on July 13, 1878, Henderson County, Illinois. Wilkinson married in 1829 Nancy A. HURD, born 1860, Cramahe Township of Northumberland, Ontario, and died in Henderson County, Illinois in 1863, at the age of 57 years. Wilinson and Nancy were the parent of seven children.

Ira Abner PALMER, second of Wilkinson and Nancy (HURD) PALMER's seven children, was born on January 21, 1835, Brighton, Ontario, Canada, and died at the age of 70 years on February 19, 1905, Nevada, Vernon County, Missouri. Ira was interred at Tingley Cemetery, Ringgold County, Iowa. His birth year on his gravestone is 1833. Ira married first on October 20, 1853, Henderson County, Illinois, to Sarah Jane MORRIS, born 1834, Dearborn, Indiana. Sarah died at the age of 34 years in 1868, Monmouth, Warren County, Illinois. Ira and Sarah were the parents of seven children:

1) Webster PALMER, born 30 Oct 1855, Monmouth IL; died 21 Nov 1902
    interment Tingley Cemetery, Ringgold Co. IA

2) Charles PALMER, born 1857, Monmouth IL

3) Frances PALMER, born 1859, Monmouth IL

4) William PALMER, born 1862, Monmouth IL

5) George Tyler PALMER, born 28 Jan 1863, Monmouth IL; died 22 Apr 1921, Sargent, Custer Co. NE
    interment Mt. Hope Cemetery, Sargent Co. NE

6) Nora PALMER, born 1866, Monmouth IL

7) Frank A. PALMER, born 15 Nov 1868, Monmouth IL; died 12 Mar 1893

Ira A. PALMER married second in 1883 to Ella (SPENCER) NICHOLAS. Ella was born December 15, 1858, and died August 22, 1915, with interment at Tingley Cemetery, Ringgold County, Iowa.

SOURCES:
Biography & Historical Record of Ringgold County, Iowa, p. 381, 1887.

WPA Graves Survey

Transcription and note by Sharon R. Becker, March of 2009

Biographical Sketches Pages Index: A - F,   G - L,   M - R,  S - Z